UPSC Introduces AI to Combat Duplicate Applications for 2026 Exam

The UPSC has adopted Artificial Intelligence to identify duplicate applications for the 2026 Civil Services Exam, resulting in the cancellation of 600 applications. This move aims to enhance the integrity of the examination process, especially following a recent controversy. With new technology-driven measures, including Aadhaar-based authentication and AI-powered checks, the UPSC is taking significant steps to prevent fraud and streamline the application process. Learn more about the implications of these changes and the rules governing UPSC applications.

By Sourabh Singh Jun 27, 2026, 18:03 IST

UPSC's Innovative Approach to Application Verification

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has made a significant update to its application process by integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) to detect duplicate submissions. This initiative led to the cancellation of 600 applications for the UPSC Civil Services Exam 2026, identified as duplicates. The Commission's aim is to eliminate fraudulent activities in the examination process, a move prompted by the Pooja Khedkar incident. The UPSC has also introduced various tech-driven enhancements for the 2026 exam, including Aadhaar-based verification, live photography, facial recognition, and AI-assisted de-duplication.

Let's delve deeper into how this new AI system operates and its advantages for candidates.

**Cancellation of 600 Applications**

For the UPSC 2026 exam, 8.18 lakh candidates registered, a decrease from 9.5 lakh in 2025. Reports indicate that 94% of those who registered for 2026 had also applied in 2025. By opting for Aadhaar authentication through the new portal, these candidates established their unique identities, effectively preventing duplication.

The remaining 49,000 candidates' data was analyzed using AI, focusing on names, parental details, photographs, and birth dates. The UPSC also reviewed its records from the past 15 years to check candidates' attempt limits. This thorough examination revealed 600 candidates who had either exhausted their allowed attempts or surpassed the age limit, leading to the cancellation of their applications.

**Previous Verification at Interview Stage**

Historically, the UPSC would verify new candidates' data against existing records during the interview phase. Now, this verification occurs at the initial application stage for the Preliminary examination. The AI system was developed with support from the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology.

**Controversy Prompting Changes**

This initiative follows the controversy involving former IAS trainee Puja Khedkar, who was accused of manipulating her name and her parents' names to appear for the 2022 Civil Services Examination, despite having already used her allowed attempts. Although her appointment was revoked in 2024 after an investigation, the incident caused considerable embarrassment for the UPSC.

**UPSC Application Regulations**

As per UPSC guidelines, General category candidates can attempt the Civil Services Examination (CSE) a maximum of six times, with an age limit of 32 years. OBC candidates are allowed nine attempts with a 35-year age limit, while SC and ST candidates can attempt the exam an unlimited number of times until they reach 37 years of age.